What it is
The present simple describes things that are generally true or that happen again and again. Only he / she / it changes the verb (+ -s).
Look
- I get up at seven.
- She works in a shop.β she/he/it + -s
- We live in London.
Form
FormPatternModel sentence
PositiveI / You / We / They + verb Β· He / She / It + verb + -sHe works in a bakery.
NegativeI / You / We / They + don't + verb Β· He / She / It + doesn't + verbHe doesn't work on Sundays.
QuestionDo / Does + subject + verb?Does he work at the weekend?
Short answerYes, he does. Β· No, he doesn't.No, he doesn't.
Form
Pattern
I / You / We / Theywork
He / She / Itworksadd -s
Use it when
- You describe a routine: I start work at nine.
- You state a fact: Water boils at 100 degrees.
- You talk about likes, jobs and habits.
Remember
- he / she / it β verb + s
More examples
- We live near the station.
- She studies medicine.
- The shop opens at eight.
- They don't eat meat.
Say it: Third-person -s: /s/ works, /z/ lives, /Ιͺz/ watches.
Watch out!
She work in a shop.
She works in a shop.
He don't like coffee.
He doesn't like coffee.
Quick check
He ___ tea every morning.
I ___ in Madrid.